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Well Testing &

Commissioning

www.exprogroup.com
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From reservoir to disposal, Expro

provides safe, efficient and accurate
well testing services to meet the needs
of our customers in any well,
anywhere in the world.

More than

40 years of experience

Over
2,000 well tests

Over
150 + well test packages

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What we offer
Expro has more than 40 years’ experience of providing well testing
services to the global oil and gas industry. As one of the largest well test
companies in the world, we provide mobile process equipment that
accurately measures the performance of our customers’ wells. The data
that we provide allows our customers to plan the optimal exploitation of
their reservoirs.
High-value oil and gas wells, onshore and offshore, require a full range of testing solutions.

We offer the complete package, including:

■ Exploration and appraisal well testing

■ Development well testing (clean-up) and flowback
■ Production well testing
■ Flarestack and pipeline services

Expro works to develop newer, faster, more precise testing methods. We aim to perfect well testing operations and
processes and make them as effective and efficient as possible. Our ability to offer the combination of superior service
quality and technological innovation enhances the performance of our customers.

I G
E K
J

P
L
H F
Q
100 barrel tank
D

O A
C
M B

A Surface Test Tree G Separator M Flare Booms

B Surface Safety Valve H Diverter (5-way) N Burner
C Solids Management Unit (desander) I Surface Tank (metering tank) O Diverter Manifold
D Choke Manifold J Transfer Pump P Multiphase Flowmeter
E Heat Exchange K Steam Generator Q Clean out line for desander to
F Relief Valve L Compressor (air) 100 barrel tank

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Exploration and appraisal well testing

E&A well testing provides the initial exposure to reservoir

production capability and potential. It is important that
equipment is designed to handle a potentially, wide range of
operating parameters.

Expro’s temporary completion and production system equipment is designed to offer this, through a
range of temporary completion and production systems. This allows our clients to measure pressure
and flow rates, obtain fluid samples, assess the commercial viability and plan completion and
production facilities.

Our well testing solutions can be used across a range of applications, including:

■ Onshore and offshore reservoirs

– Our equipment portfolio covers all eventualities from offshore skid mounted
packages to purpose built trailer mounted well testing units
■ Deepwater
– Experience in global deep water environments
■ Heavy oil
– Well testing and extended well testing in designated heavy oil reservoirs at 10-11°API
■ High rate
– Our track record in high rate gas testing is extensive
■ Harsh environments
– Our operating experience includes desert, artic and both deepwater and shallow
water offshore operations

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Exploration and appraisal well testing

Surface well testing

The primary function of surface well test equipment is to

provide a safe and efficient system to separate hydrocarbon
phases, to measure and collect accurate well data and
importantly, to collect representative fluid samples. The data
monitored includes pressures, temperatures and flow rates
recorded at multiple locations on the well test package.

The surface well test system is a combination of the following equipment and services:

Surface test tree

The flowhead isolates the well at surface from the reservoir and enables the downstream process
equipment to be depressurised and made safe. It is typically equipped with a lift sub, swivel and
temporary pipework connections for the flow and kill-wing valves. It comprises four gate valves installed
in a forged solid block manifold. The flow wing valve is actuated and controlled by a hydraulic panel
connected to the emergency shutdown system. The swivel is situated below the tree block and enables
rotation of the string.

Solids exclusion
Expro recognises that solids management is crucial to a safe and efficient well operation. In addition to
our existing 5k and 10k sand filter systems, Expro has developed 10K and 15K cyclonic desanders.
Expro’s solids exclusion equipment is designed to be deployed close to the wellhead and upstream of
the first well control device, allowing solids to be removed at high pressure and thereby reducing
erosion in the downstream equipment.

Choke systems
The choke manifold controls the well flow via a fixed or an adjustable choke. Expro's choke systems
provide reliability and security, with easy maintenance and multiple safety features, operating efficiently
and effectively. Our equipment provides unparalleled wear resistance, reducing costly damages. The use
of this technology in the exploration and appraisal market is ideal to reduce downtime where continuous
flow data is critical to the success of the operation. Based on the latest engineering design and
technology, our choke systems have become industry leaders.

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Heat exchangers
Expro offers various types of heat exchangers which typically comprise high pressure coils contained within a
steam jacket. Expro multi-tube heat exchangers are significantly more efficient than the conventional direct heat
exchangers used in well test operations. The combination of eliminating bends in the tubes and their large
surface area promotes highly efficient heat transfer compared with conventional heaters. It also aids reliability
since the flow profile makes this type of heat exchanger far less prone to erosion from solids production.

■ Direct, indirect and multi-tube heaters within fleet

■ Direct steam heat exchangers provide fast reaction to changing process conditions
■ Heater controls systems ensure accurate regulation of process temperature
■ Safety systems protect vessel and process coils against overpressure

Three-phase separator
Hydrocarbon flow is directed to Expro's three-phase separator where the oil, water and liquid phases are
separated and metered. Expro’s inventory includes various designs of both horizontal and vertical separators
which meet the well flow parameters stated by the customer. The separators are designed to maximise the
efficiency of the separation process.

Data acquisition
Expro’s EdgeX is a Windows based data acquisition and management system. It provides a total data solution
for a wide range of applications including well testing, extended production tests and platform process plant
monitoring (see below).

Produced water system

The produced water leaves the separator vessel and is directed to the surge tank where it can be stored,
accurately measured and degassed prior to being stored in the stock tank. To dispose of the water overboard in
a responsible and environmentally-safe manner, Expro uses a produced water treatment package. This filter
system is designed to provide a light, compact, reliable, and economic method of filtering water, lightly
contaminated brines and fluid cushions.

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Environmentally safe disposal

Oil fluids are directed to Expro's leading burner technology for environmentally-safe disposal. The gas flow is
directed through to the flare, where the latest silencer technology can be employed to reduce noise to an
acceptable level. The Sea Emerald burner features carefully positioned multiple burner tips, which create
maximum flame turbulence and air ingestion, making the burn very clean and eliminating smoke.

Burner heads

Sea Emerald™ Burner

The Sea Emerald™ Burner’s carefully positioned multiple burner tips create maximum flame turbulence and air
ingestion, making the burn very clean, eliminating smoke:

■ Highly efficient, environmentally friendly

■ Third-party rated at over 99.993% efficient
■ Modular design can be used in multiples to match anticipated flow rates
■ Stable pilot assembly provides reliable ignition source
■ Clean start-up, wide turndown ratio, simple operation

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Exploration and appraisal well testing

Data services

EdgeX
EdgeX is a Windows based acquisition and management system. It provides total data solution for a wide
range of applications including well testing, extended production tests and platform process plant monitoring.
Its features include:

■ Real-time data monitoring, processing and logging

■ Graphical user interface (GUI) for live data and trending
■ Visual and audible alarm monitoring
■ Industry standard communications
■ Data export and reporting

The extensive multitasking capabilities of EdgeX allow it to incorporate data from a multitude of sources using
various communication protocols. This includes surface instrumentation, other Expro services (WWS, DST,
Subsea) and 3rd party equipment. Essentially EdgeX is the total data solution which combined with ‘data to
desk’ provides clients with data, whenever and wherever they need it.
This service provides the client with the full suite of tools necessary to view real-time data through a web
browser anywhere in the world.

■ Field data acquisition

■ Secure single click data transfer
■ Secure data server space
■ Client web browser

The web browser allows the client access to all data logs and sequence of events obtained in the field. To view
this information standard graphical user interfaces are available for trending and live monitoring.

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Exploration and appraisal well testing

Development well testing and flowback

Clean-up
The purpose of well testing on development wells is to clean up and commission the well prior to its
connection to the permanent production facility.
The permanent completion is used with a temporary subsea/surface safety tree and production system.
Included in the development well testing segment are DST/TCP operations, associated with
completions activity such as a ‘shoot and pull’ run prior to well clean-up, fluid separation, solids
management and disposal operations. Current methods for disposal in a well test or clean-up involve
burners, water remediation, storage of produced fluids to a tank.
In areas where strict regulations exist regarding the disposal of liquids by burning, well tests are
performed without burning oil. Gas can be flared, and produced fluids stored in a barge or in workboat
tanks for transport back to a land-based disposal facility.

Our clean-up packages include:

■ Clean-up packages including surface production equipment and pre-production

■ High rate gas flow rate measurement
■ Water handling and treatment
■ Solids handling systems

Flowback
A typical fracture flowback programme for a high-rate gas well onshore uses a multiple-stage fracture
with three-to-five zones per well. Each zone is perforated, fractured and then cleaned up. Special
severe service equipment is available to handle high flow rates and pressures, as well as abrasive frac
materials recovered during the clean-up.

Flowback packages include:

■ PowerChoke hydraulic choke and control systems

■ Packages for plugging, perforating, frac flowback and clean-up
■ Portable flare stack services

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Key technologies
Solids management
Expro’s solids removal systems comprise 5k and 10k sandfilter units and 10k and 15k cyclonic
desanders, which provide a broad range of solids management options. Removing solids from the well
stream at the earliest opportunity reduces damage to downstream equipment and can result in
increased well production. This results in a range of benefits:

■ Can extend separator life

■ Virtually eliminates costs of build-up and blockage in processing equipment
■ Has proven vital in post-frac cleanups and UBD operations
■ Removes cuttings during UBD operations
■ Minimises solids from return fluids during cleanout operations
■ Removes solids from injection waters.

Severe service choke manifolds

Severe-service choke manifolds provide improved control, better service performance and in
conjunction with solids management systems can prevent downstream erosion.

■ Incorporates the latest adjustable choke technology

■ Meets applicable industry standards
■ Two flow paths, one adjustable and one fixed
■ Allows fast choke changes without interrupting the flow
■ Pressure and temperature rated to meet hostile environments
■ Small footprint

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Production testing
In-line well testing

Production well testing involves measuring the contribution of

oil/water/gas from individual wells. Expro’s continuous production
measurements are cost-effective, do not interfere with normal
production and can improve reservoir understanding.

Wet gas meter

Expro’s wet gas meters (WGM) are a cost-effective replacement of test separators. Wet gas flow meters
provide continuous readings of the gas flow rate and the total liquid flow rate. To achieve good
accuracy (+/-5%), the service includes calibration with non-radioactive tracers and wet gas
pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) fluid sampling – a process accredited by DNV.

MPFM - Multiphase Flow Meters

Expro offers Multiphase Flow Meters (MPFM) as a complementary service to existing portable well test
separators - without the requirement for phase separation. Measurement can be made at wellhead or
line conditions, allowing process fluids to be returned to the production process, without pressure
reduction.
Typical applications include exploration & appraisal, commissioning & clean up and routine production
well testing operations.
Benefits of the portable well testing MPFM include:

■ Small and compact foot print

■ Instantaneous measurement of rate and fraction
■ A wide operating range up to 98% GVF
■ Non-intrusive measurement
■ Real-time well site commissioning, data processing and diagnostics

Well site operation of the MPFM is supported with Expro’s proven well site PVT sampling and analysis
products and services.

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Production testing
Extended well testing

For wells requiring long-term solutions, such as extended well testing

or early production facilities, Expro has extensive global experience
in delivering tailored reservoir and production requirements.

Used to generate and accelerate cash-flow from production before bringing a permanent production
facility on line, these projects are often associated with remote environments or challenging operating
conditions.
Extended well testing provides substantial reservoir information which can be used to:

■ Establish reservoir behaviour

■ Evaluate reservoir in real time
■ Assess the commerciality and productivity of a field
■ Determine the field development plan.

For wells requiring long-term solutions such as extended well testing or early production facilities, Expro
has extensive global experience and success tailoring equipment to meet reservoir and production
requirements for wells or fields.

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Production testing
Modular well test packages

Utilising module techniques, Expro is leading the technology

development for surface well testing. This is primarily designed for
offshore installations that require surface well testing equipment to
be sea-fastened to the rig deck. However, the technology also
offers many benefits for other applications.

The modular concept is a ‘plug and play’ methodology this allows you to swap main components for a
package with only minor adaptions.

A modular package includes the following features:

■ Use of standardised bottom frames with interconnecting piping inside

■ Re-arranged equipment packaging (choke & heater frame)

■ Automation of valve sequences for meter factors

■ HSE improvement (sampling cabinet, automation, manual handling improvements,

walkways, handling methodology, lighting, pre-fabricated interface spools, steam degassing
unit, improved pump control.)

■ State of the art equipment design improvements

■ Equipment that can be interchangeable

■ Package pre-adapted for easy data acquisition system and electronic process shut-down
system interface

Key benefits to the clients include a number of areas:

■ Shorter installation time

■ Reduced personnel on-board requirement
■ Ability to split an installation up into smaller tasks to hit POB opportunities
■ Reduced rig-crane requirements (about one third of a normal installation)
■ A package that meets the latest stipulations related to HSE

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Flarestack and pipeline services

Flarestack systems

Flow management is a core business activity of Expro. Pipeline

services are integral to this – we are specialists in safely handling
high pressure hydrocarbons by separating, filtering, and/or flaring
of the products.

With a 20-year track record in the US pipeline market and direct access to our global pool of specialist flow
management knowledge, Expro provides safe and efficient pipeline separation, filtration, or flaring need.

Expro has one of the largest inventories of international certified equipment in the industry, including the
highest capacity pipeline separation units (up to 500 MM scf/d with a 16” inlet).The fleet includes both high
pressure and low pressure systems for separation, fluids handling, storage, analysis, water treatment, solids
handling and disposal. Our state-of-the-art trailer mounted flare systems are designed to be easily
mobilised to handle your flaring needs.

To compliment this proven equipment, Expro employees are some of the best in the industry with
experience in flaring products from natural gas to liquid propylene to NGL. Expro flarestack service
supervisors are qualified by NCCER, Veriforce, and OQSG for our tasks to comply with the DOT operator
qualification rule.

500mm
scf/d
capacity

16"
inlet

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Flarestack and pipeline services

Separation and filtration services

Expro’s separation supervisors share these same qualifications and

have experience in a variety of separation applications.

Expro provides the know-how, equipment, and personnel for the separation, fluids handling and flaring
services necessary for:

■ Pipeline flushing
■ Pipeline decommissioning and commissioning
■ Chemical or gel pipeline cleaning
■ Pipeline pigging / smart pigging
■ Hydrostatic testing operations
■ Pipeline blow-downs
■ Separation

Expro’s expertise and credibility has been earned through its proven separation services, in the harshest
of environments. Expro’s equipment and personnel have been used for:

■ Liquids removal from gas lines

■ Gas removal from liquid lines
■ Evacuation of a crude or products line for maintenance, repair, or hydro testing
■ In line inspection
■ Cleaning of pipelines
■ Filtration

Expro’s filtration separator is the leading choice for clean products before delivery to plants, and has
been effectively used with charcoal filter elements to clean vapor before venting to eliminate odor. These
units can be rigged up with a manifold system in order to allow flawless operations of the pipeline while
changing filter elements.

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Data analysis centre (DAC)

The data analysis centres complement Expro’s field activities by

providing comprehensive job planning and selection capabilities.
Quality, attention to detail and flexibility are hallmarks of the
Expro DACs.
Expro’s state-of-the-art reservoir information centres offer the following services:

■ Well test simulation

■ Well test design
■ Pressure transient analysis
■ Multi-layer reservoir analysis
■ Completion efficiency evaluation
■ 2-phase reservoir modelling
■ 3-dimensional reservoir modelling
■ History matching
■ Reservoir performance forecasting
■ Well/field performance optimisation

A key component in Expro’s range of well testing services is the ability to provide the customer with a
complete interpretation and analysis of the acquired data.

2-phase
reservoir
modelling

3-dimensional
reservoir
modelling

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Technology and innovation

Mobile well test unit

Expro unveiled three new arctic enclosed mobile well test units during a
launch event in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2013.
These units provide an innovative solution for well flow management and are specifically designed for harsh arctic
operating conditions.
The mobile well test units are fully portable production facilities and are capable of well test and clean-up
operations. The units process and measure well effluent, as well as remove water and solids prior to flowing to a
production facility.
The mobile units have been designed to meet increasing onshore activity in Alaska, both for Expro’s established
and new operators moving in to drill new wells, and rework existing fields.
Normally this equipment is transported to the well site in multiple pieces on several trucks and requires extensive
rig up times. By combining all of the equipment into one mobile unit, logistical efficiency is significantly enhanced,
resulting in the reduction of rig-up time and transportation costs. This also reduces the need for customer-provided
well support.

Applications Benefits

■ Mobile well test solutions globally ■ Complete package of well testing solutions
■ Land and deep-water sites ■ Accurate and timely data delivery
■ Data to desk
Features ■ Bespoke solutions
■ Full geographical representation ■ ISO14001 accredited
■ Complete well test packages
■ Skilled operators

I have been looking forward to the arrival of

the mobile well test units as I’m extremely
interested in utilizing the unit for an upcoming
project, said Tim Crumrine, senior staff
completions engineer for Pioneer Alaska.
In my opinion, Expro is the only choice for

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Pioneer Alaska well testing.

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Case Study
Kazakhstan - KPO well test solution

The oil and gas industry increasingly faces tougher legislation and targets to reduce emissions, and one of the
key areas of focus is the traditional practice of flaring crude oil. In many parts of the world, governments impose
significant fines on companies that continue to flare at high levels, and have encouraged operators to consider
alternative methods to this practice.
Expro was invited to work with Karachaganak Petroleum Operating BV (KPO) to find a solution to the issue of
flaring on the Karachaganak field in Kazakhstan where KPO’s objective to reduce flaring. KPO required
production data from the production tests performed where information gathered was crucial to the future
development and field management. Central to the solution has been the deployment of Expro reduced emission
package, which allows all produced hydrocarbon fluids to be sent directly to the process facilities and all gas
being flared, reducing the impact on the atmosphere. All produced water was sweetened by removing the H2S
content to allow it to be transported to the ECO centre for processing.

Karachaganak field information

The Karachaganak field is one of the world’s largest oil and gas and condensate fields located in northwestern
Kazakhstan, near to the town of Aksai. The field extends over an area measuring 15 x 30 km.
Current production reservoirs are Permian and Carboniferous in age and comprise low permeability limestone
and dolomites. The main reservoir interval is between 3600 mss (subsea) and 5150 mss mainly gas and
condensate with approximately 200m of oil rim. To date more than 250 wells have been drilled in the field,
including exploration, appraisal, production and observation wells by the previous field operators. The reservoir
fluid can be classified as highly corrosive, exceeding the partial pressure limits for both CO2 and hydrogen
sulphide (H2S) content.

The way ahead

While is aimed at the large producing wells, there are a significant number of existing smaller producing wells on
the Karachaganak field, each having its own unique challenges to overcome. Expro is in the process of providing
KPO with an effective well test solution to the issues arising from flareless testing. As part of that process the
companies are also working together on a solution on producing new wells during the well clean up phases
especially during post frac stimulation without the requirement for flaring. This will have its own challenges with
limited pressures to operate with, but will help the environment with the complete removal of flaring.

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Expro’s mission is well flow management. We provide services

and products that measure, improve, control and process flow
from high-value oil and gas wells, from exploration and appraisal
through to mature field production optimisation and enhancement.

With a specific focus on offshore, deepwater and other

technically challenging environments, we provide a range of
mission critical services across three key areas:

■ Well Test & Appraisal Services

■ Subsea, Completion & Intervention Services

■ Production Services

Our vision is to be the market leader in well flow management,

using the industry’s best people, to deliver the highest standards of
safety, quality and personalised customer service.

Expro’s 40+ years of experience and innovation empowers the

company to offer tailor-made solutions for customers across the
energy sector. With 4,500 employees in over 50 countries, Expro
offers a truly global service solution.

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For more information contact:

welltesting@exprogroup.com

Or visit www.exprogroup.com/contact